would you get an external flash for 4-510?

[Lulamom]

I thought I really wanted to get an FL-36 for my e-510, but now I am not sure. Those of you that have it do you love owning it? I really don't like the on camera flash, as it blows everyone's faces out. I primarily have been doing portrait work, so I thought bouncing the light with an external would be very helpful. Guess I'm just looking for some advice from those that have this flash.

Thanks for your help!

[Sunday0303]

Read Strobist. Lots of info on lighting. Start out on Lighting 101. You'll learn everything about off-camera lighting.

Oh, and an external flash would be extremely good for portraits.

[Lulamom]

I can not get the link to open. I would love to read all about this though...will you post it again?

thanks so much for your help!

[Slushie]

I still haven't figured out why d-SLR's come with an on-camera flash... maybe it's to tease us in purchasing a "real" flash...

The FL36 is definitely worth it (although you might want the FL36R now since I don't believe the FL36 is around anymore although there might be a few lying around for a pretty good deal). The only difference is that the -R has wireless capabilities (but the e510 won't be able to utilize those...). The only other alternative is the FL-50 which is another chuck of cash but delivers quite a bit more light. If you just need the flash on occasion without it having to go off in rapid succession, the FL36 should have enough reach and do just fine!

By the way, try this for the Stobist site.